Kimmel Center, Inc. created the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble, now in its eighth season, to cultivate and train gifted young artists, while exposing them to a classic American art form. It is the first regional ensemble originally comprised of middle school students specializing in jazz, and has since expanded to include students up through 10th grade. The ensemble provides gifted young artists a hands-on professional-level musical experience, as they train with Kimmel Center Teaching Artist and Education Technology Coordinator Marc D. Johnson and accomplished special guest jazz musicians.

Former Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble students include Justin Faulkner, who is currently the drummer of Branford Marsalis’ Quartet; ensemble members have received admission to prestigious undergraduate programs including those at the Manhattan School of Music, Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, New York University, University of the Arts, Temple University and the U.S. Naval Academy, among others.

The ensemble practices at the Kimmel Center on Saturday mornings from October through May, and performs regularly at the Kimmel Center and throughout the region as ambassadors for the Kimmel Center to the community.

KCYJE auditions are held every September. Please check back for audition details and online registration.

Performances at the Kimmel Center during the 09/10 season include:

• Saturday, December 12, 2009
  Winter Concert



• Friday, January 15, 2010 (By Invitation Only)
  Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration



• Saturday, March 27, 2010
  Music In Our Schools Month Concert



• Saturday, April 24, 2010
  Jazz Appreciation Month Concert



• Saturday, June 19, 2010
  Summer Solstice Celebration

Members of the 2009/2010 Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble are:

The Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble is generously supported by the Barra Foundation and The National Endowment For The Arts.